Avery has taken them to another level since Nellie left. For the first time, they started playing defense. Two years ago, he coached them to the NBA Finals. They even beat their nemesis, the Spurs, in the WC Finals. AJ beat Pop. Last year, despite barely having the talent of a 60 win team, he coached them to an amazing 67-15 record after starting the season off 0-4. They had an unbelievable 50-5 run. They were playing at a consistent level nobody could have imagined. I said all last season that I wanted the Mavs to win 70 games so the disappointment of them losing in the playoffs would hurt more. I knew their talent level wasn't super-duper and they were playing over their heads because of coaching. No other coach could have do so well with that squad. The playoff loss the the Warriors was devastating and AJ deserves part of the blame, but is he at fault because Dirk had no heart at all or because Dampier was a compete stiff on the court against the smaller Warriors? Sorry, but I don't accept the premise that sticking with Dampier would have won them the series. AJ also couldn't help that Nelly knew quite a bit on Dirk's tendencies. Last summer, the Mavs needed to shake up the team. They did nothing. Their roster had run it's course and was not a contender IMO. Even so, the Mavs were doing fine until the Kidd trade, which has messed them up (for now). I agree AJ has to trust Kidd more and benching him at the end of the Spurs game was a dumb decision. Taken as a whole, AJ's tenure with the Mavs has been great. To call for his head now is idiotic. I hope the Mavs are foolish enough to fire him because the replacement will be worse and their downward slide will continue. If AJ is let go, he will be the hottest coach on the market by a mile. Spurs fans that called for Pop's head earlier in the season are also knuckleheads.
Avery is overrated. His Dallas teams were always stacked with talent. They're coming off a season where they were seeded #1 and look how bad they are now.
As a Dallas hater, I would have to say Avery is a coach that makes his players play hard... and any time the Rockets play the Mavs, I alwways fear his game plan. Hes a good coach... a .710 winning record the past few season? From the Western Conference? Must I remind you, this is a coach that led his team to the NBA finals... and although he did lose in the first round last year, I think he ranks in the tops along with D'Antonie, Pop, and Saunders
I believe the best mavs board is Dallasbasketball.com I think its unfortunate that mavs fans are calling for avery to be fired. Avery was the best thing to happen to that team after letting Nellie go. Without Avery they would have continued to be the Phoenix Suns, aka playing ball with no Defense. No doubt Avery is very controlling, just ask Devin Harris. It will take time for him to learn to loosen up and let Jkidd play his game. Seriously as a Rockets fan I do hope the mavs let Avery go, once that happens I believe they will be an average team. I don't care if they bring in George Karl, Carlisle, larry brown etc. But Cuban's not stupid and I highly doubt he gives two *****s what the whiny mavs fans think. The dudes a smart man and an even smarter business man. He'll make the best decision for his team.
IMHO the Mavs fans know that it was Cuban that put that team together and didn't listen to his coach on personnel matters. Therefore they want to fire Avery because they know they can't send The Cuban back to Cuba where he belongs.
I have no doubt in my mind that if the Mavs don't at least get to the WCF this season, Avery will be scapegoated and fired only to be replaced by -- wait for it -- Jeff Van Gundy.
You have to be putting me if on if you think that Avery is only coaching well because of freaking DEL HARRIS.
